Dennis Gaviola

Jeron Velasco named Arizona History Teacher of the Year

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ABS-CBN News Digital Intern

<div><img src="https://od2-image-api.abs-cbn.com/prod/editorImage/1758271437511538935327_1171951488301650_8605458959713264732_n.jpg" style="width:950px" class="fr-fic fr-dib"/>Jeron Velasco is named Arizona History Teacher of the Year. Arizona Department of Education/FacebookWhat began as a way to make ends meet became a defining milestone in one Filipino’s teaching career.</div>Jeron Velasco, a cultural exchange teacher from La Castallena, Negros Occidental, has been hailed as the 2025 Arizona History Teacher of the Year by the Gilder Lehrman Institute of American History.The Filipino was conferred the title last July 25 “for his outstanding dedication to engaging students and enriching his community through the study of history,” the Arizona Department of Education said in a Facebook post. The prestigious award recognizes history teachers who demonstrate creativity by integrating historical documents, artifacts, and other sources in teaching American history at the basic education level.“Happy lang kami na nare-recognize ang ginagawa namin sa mga bata at ginagawa ng mga bata,” Velasco told ABS-CBN News.Velasco, who currently teaches history at the Dishchii’bikoh Community School in Cibecue, Arizona, thanked his school for its continued support to him and his plans for the students, such as entering them in contests and presentations. “Basta para sa bata, talagang 100% sagot nila. ‘Yong pagkain, hotel, travel, may stipend pa ang teachers. So nakaka-proud na &#x27;yung ginagawa mo supported ka 100% ng mga boss mo and then &#x27;yung ginagawa nila ay para sa community nila na bumabalik din sa kanila,” he said. “These honors are not mine alone — they reflect the collective strength and spirit of Dishchii’bikoh and the Cibecue community,” he said in a Facebook post.Velasco was also granted a fellowship by the Cable-Satellite Public Affairs Network (C-SPAN), an American-based nonprofit network. He is one of only five teachers in the US who have been selected by C-SPAN. He has received multiple honors, including the John J. Ross Memorial Award for Teacher Excellence in Law-Related Education, the Golden Plume Award for Education by Project Pantas Pilipinas, and InstaBright’s Outstanding Individual in the Field of History. The latest addition to his accolades is the Al Merito Award from the Arizona Historical Society, which he will receive on Sept. 26.<div> </div><div>Navigating local culture</div>Since teaching overseas, Velasco learned to embrace cultural differences while continuously adjusting to his students’ needs.“Doon ‘yong struggle, kasi ‘yong pagtuturo ko sa Native American kids, lalo na’t outsider ka, paningin nila sa &#x27;yo hindi mo agad sila maiintindihan,” he said, citing his short teaching stint at Zuni Pueblo in New Mexico. Even teachers can learn from their students — though not always in the way Velasco had hoped.He had to adjust to their lack of courtesy. “They’re really aggressive, they’re really different, and they will push you to the wall,” he said.<div><img src="https://od2-image-api.abs-cbn.com/prod/editorImage/1758271599450544836629_1201687311987997_2435781751622682593_n.jpg" style="width:950px" class="fr-fic fr-dib"/>Jeron Velasco during National History Day at Dischii Bikoh High School where he teaches history. National History Day in Arizona/FacebookBeyond classroom behavior, Velasco also had to adjust to the different learning style in the US, where worksheet-based methods contrasted with the discussion-led approach he was accustomed to in the Philippines.</div>Navigating the local culture was also part of the experience. He learned to respect different traditions and adapt to the routines and practices of the community.These experiences emotionally tested him, especially during the first few years. Fortunately, with the constant help and assurance of his fellow teachers, he gradually came to embrace this cultural diversity and mustered the courage to carry on. Velasco stood firm, embodying the spirit of every Filipino teacher by going beyond classroom lessons to open his students’ minds to real-world contexts.For him, history is not just a school subject that should stay as it is; it can be lived within each learner as their driving force to connect with other communities or trace their own identities.“What’s special about history is that it connects the past, the present, and the future,” Velasco explained. “Kids find it boring, but once you make it alive, once you make it connected back to their culture, to their community, and who they are, especially the Native American kids, they have so much to talk about.”<div> </div><div>Cultural appreciation</div>With this chance to teach, Velasco also got to introduce the Filipino identity to his Native American students. On World Culture Day, they teach students traditions ranging from food to social practices of various countries, fostering a mutual exchange of cultural appreciation. <div><img src="https://od2-image-api.abs-cbn.com/prod/editorImage/1758271717149519666780_1986883485391281_5938194933809091935_n.jpg" style="width:950px" class="fr-fic fr-dib"/>Jeron Velasco with his wife Gene Velasco and their kids. Gene Velasco/FacebookThese interactions allowed Velasco to bridge cultural gaps and foster a more engaging learning experience for his students.</div>Velasco’s journey exemplifies the impact a Filipino cultural exchange teacher can have — bringing honor and understanding to every community they serve.His perseverance helped him overcome challenges, culminating in the success he earned. The awards he has received stand as a testament to his resilience and commitment to building a learning environment that respects and celebrates diverse cultures.Beyond personal achievement, Velasco’s legacy serves as a powerful reminder to fellow Filipino educators of the influence they hold in shaping the next generation into thoughtful, well-rounded individuals.“[Filipino teachers] have the same struggles, we have the same fight for our freedoms, for our identities, and for our communities, and we can use these skills, we can use these experiences to strengthen each other, to support each other, and help each other to come up with better solutions and better outlook in life,” Velasco said.

Filipino teacher Jeron Velasco turned an overseas teaching stint into a journey of cultural exchange, resilience, and innovation, earning international recognition while inspiring students and fellow educators alike.

Filipino teacher Jeron Velasco turned an overseas teaching stint into a journey of cultural exchange, resilience, and innovation, earning international recognition while inspiring students and fellow educators alike.

How a Filipino educator became Arizona’s top history teacher

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How a Filipino educator became Arizona’s top history teacher

ABS-CBN News Digital Intern,

Jen Esquivel and Jose Raphael Gonzales

Published Sep 20, 2025 08:00 AM PHT

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Jeron Velasco

2025 Arizona History Teacher of the Year

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